The Minnesota Timberwolves have a few free agency decisions that will impact their future, including what will happen with Julius Randle. He arrived in Minneapolis before the start of training camp after a trade that rocked the entire NBA.
Randle got off to a shaky start, which led to some overreactions, but that wasn't unexpected, considering the timing of the trade. Now that the dust has settled from the 2024-25 season, every Timberwolves fan should be able to admit that if it weren't for Randle, Minnesota wouldn't have made a second consecutive trip to the Western Conference finals.
The main drawback against Randle is that he's inconsistent, going from playing at the All-Star level he's at, and at other times letting his emotions get the best of him, negatively affecting his game. Is that enough for the Timberwolves to want to get rid of him? No. He gives Minnesota a solid second option behind Anthony Edwards. Chris Finch is also a huge advocate for Randle, having spent a season together in New Orleans. It doesn't seem like Randle is going anywhere, at least not this offseason; however, you never know.
Will Timberwolves forward Julius Randle pick up his player option?
Randle must decide by June 29 whether to exercise his $30.9 million player option for 2025-26 or decline it, which could allow him to explore his value.
He averaged 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game in his first season with the Timberwolves, shooting 48.5% from the field and 34.4% from three. His numbers were down from what they were in New York, but he took on a different role in Minnesota, one that he didn't have much time to prepare for before the season started.
Randle has value, so if Minnesota wanted, the team could trade him if he picked up his option. It doesn't seem likely that'll happen, since Phoenix already traded Kevin Durant to Houston. There isn't another player (at least for now) that the Timberwolves would consider trading Randle for.
The 30-year-old has stated on several occasions that he loves being in Minnesota, so if he does opt out, it could be to sign a new deal to stay with the Timberwolves long term. That seems to be the most likely scenario, at least for now. Keeping Randle is Minnesota's best option to win a championship, so the team has no choice but to bank on him continuing to be the player they saw in the postseason.